Michigan Title IX Campus Sexual Misconduct Defense Lawyers

Students accused of sexual misconduct could face penalties which seriously limit their educational and career opportunities. If you’ve recently received notice of allegations against you, you may be worrying about concerns like:

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Our Michigan Title IX defense lawyers specialize in exonerating college students who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

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When you’re facing allegations of college campus sexual misconduct, your education, reputation, and future career prospects are at risk. Additionally, you could face criminal penalties if the police get involved. Students who find themselves in this situation should be aware that the Title IX university disciplinary process differs from the criminal justice system in significant ways. Namely, students accused of sexual misconduct are often denied the due process they’d be entitled to during a criminal investigation.

Like a criminal investigation, you have the option to seek legal guidance from a Michigan Title IX defense lawyer. However, your lawyer may not have the right to speak on your behalf the same way he or she would in criminal court. But a lawyer can assist you with all other matters related to the allegations against you, such as:

Gathering evidence for your defense

Interviewing witnesses

Helping you prepare for interviews and disciplinary proceedings

Attending disciplinary proceedings and taking notes

Holding the school liable if they violate your rights

With your future on the line, it’s crucial to take these allegations seriously. Many universities rush to find accused students responsible in order to protect their federal funding. This is why it’s important to have legal representation who can help you protect your rights and your future.

You can learn more about what to expect from your school’s disciplinary process by speaking with one of our Michigan Title IX defense lawyers in a free consultation.

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What Are The Penalties For Being Found Responsible?

Penalties may vary depending on your particular university’s policy. But generally, students found responsible for college campus sexual misconduct may face:

Suspension or expulsion

A mark on your transcript for a sexual misconduct violation

Difficulty applying to other schools if expelled

Possible criminal prosecution

Difficulty finding work after graduation

Students found responsible for these offenses may never recover from the repercussions. While it’s important to punish the students who have committed sexual assault and other offenses, we also must protect the rights of the wrongfully accused. When a school is found responsible for mishandling sexual assault allegations, the accused student could have additional recourse in a civil suit against the university.

What Happens During The Disciplinary Process?

Investigation

Colleges and universities are required to investigate all claims of alleged sexual misconduct. During the investigation, university officials will interview witnesses, gather evidence, and notify both students of the investigation. During this investigation, your defense lawyer may also follow these steps in order to build a case for proving your innocence.

Pre-hearing Process

If the university finds reasonable suspicion that the allegations are true, you’ll be formally charged with a violation of the student conduct code and receive written notice with details of the allegations made against you. Additionally, your university will set a date for a hearing.

Disciplinary Hearing

During your disciplinary hearing, you’ll have the option to either admit or deny the allegations against you, or to remain silent regarding them. Next, both sides will plead their case, including the presentation of evidence, witness statements, and opening and closing arguments.

Your university has the option to follow either a “preponderance of evidence” standard or “clear and convincing evidence” standard as the burden of proof. This often falls far short of the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal trials. Following the hearing, the panel will arrive at a decision about whether you’re responsible for the alleged misconduct.

Issuing Penalties

If you’re found responsible, your university will decide on and enforce penalties against you.

Appeals Process

Your school may offer you the option to file an appeal of the results. This would require you to plead your case again in front of another hearing panel.